Carol Sjoquist
| Date of Interment or Death | 05/29/2024 |
|---|---|
| Location | Garden of Peace |
| Block | 2 |
| Grave | 26 |
Obituary
Carol May Sparks was the fourth child of Rose and Clarence Sparks of Grand Forks ND.
Carol was challenged by many health issues all her life. The limited knowledge of treatment and care for her conditions in the 1930's and 1940's left Carol and her family struggling. She had Cerebral Palsy, and suffered from seizures, pneumonia and whooping cough. Drugs used to control those conditions depressed normal functions of growing and Carol didn't learn to speak or communicate until age 6 or 7. Details are sketchy, but as far as we determine, her family surrendered her to the care of a state hospital for handicapped children in Grafton ND. She returned to public school with her family in Grand Forks, spending some summertime visits to Camp Grassick for children in Dawson ND. She left school before completing 8th grade and continued to live with her parents.
In 1956, she was married to James Sjoquist. This union ended in 1960, not long after the birth of their son, Sidney, in 1958. She then lived with her parents again until her mother's untimely death and her father into a nursing home, both in late 1964. Carol lived somewhat independently with the help of her older brothers. She was in and out of various hospitals through the 60's. She had two more children, both of which she surrendered for adoption at birth.
Carol lived in various assisted living and nursing homes through the years as her health deteriorated. She moved to St Catherine's in Wahpeton in 2018, where she spent the remainder of her life.
Throughout her life, Carol enjoyed lake time. She most of all loved children. What Carol lacked in intellect or understanding, she more than compensated for with her open heart. She would show unbridled love for children, pets and anyone who treated her with compassion and understanding.
She was a meticulous housekeeper and was known to love country music, but enjoyed contemporary jazz as well, especially Johnny Cash and Dean Martin. And of course, a Coca Cola.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Richard, Glen and George.
She is survived by her now united children, Sid, Mark Herman and Dana Kitsch, 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Headstone photograph(s)
Location
The Garden of Peace is located north of the mausoleum in the Memorial Gardens.